Keith then sang “American Soldier” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” in Frizzell’s honor. Between songs, Keith spoke briefly about showing patriotism.

“Never apologize for being patriotic,” he told the crowd.

During the second song, Frizell sat in his wheelchair, a flag draped across him. When Keith finished the second song, he handed the microphone to Frizzell.

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Frizell briefly recounted his service, starting with Manila in World War II 1945 and later how he was recalled to service in Korea. Cheers greeted Frizzell as he told the crowd he had flown armed helicopters in Vietnam.

“I am so proud to be a representative of the U.S. of A,” he told the crowd.

“I would like to say just a few sentences here,” he then said, openly struggling with emotion as he surveyed the crowd. “Just a few sentences … a few letters.”

“God bless America,” Frizzell said, jaw jutting forth with grit and patriotism as the words came tumbling forth. Both the veteran and Keith blinked and struggled to contain overflowing emotion.

Keith and his band, with Keith dabbing at his eyes under the brim of his cowboy hat, then played another round of “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue.” As the song echoed, Frizzell was slowly wheeled off stage. When the image of him saluting the crowd as he left flashed into the screen behind the band, the crowd’s roaring reached new heights. Keith tried to gain his composure, but continued weeping and walked off the stage with the veteran’s family.